Electrical distributing system



- C. LE G. FORTESCUE ELECTRICAL DISTRIBUTING SYSTEM Filed May 14, 1921 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 WITNESSES: INVENTORV eff S C/rar/esZeG. fir'ze cz/e C. LE G. FORTESCUE ELECTRICAL DISTRIBUTING SYSTEM Filed May 14, 1921 4 Sheets-Sheeh 2 W BY Dec. 0, 1924. 1,521,017

(3. LE G. FORTESCUE ELECTRICAL DISTRIBUTING SYSTEM Filed May 14, 1921 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 ATTORNEY Qfi g u b\ WITNESSES: INVENTOR Char/e5 LeG fbrzescue v C. LE 4;. FORTESCUE ELECTRICAL DISTRIBUTING SYSTEM 4 Sheets-Shagt 4 Filed May 14, 1921 f7 G I 4 INVENTOR Char/es LeG. Fortescz/e Y WITNESSES: @7

' E; I -E;( I BY AT'TORNEY Patented Dec. 30, 1924.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

CHARLES LE G. FORTESCUE, OF PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA, ASSIGNOR TO TEST- INGHOUSE ELECTRIC & MANUFACTURING COMPANY, A CORPORATION OF PENN- SYLVANIA.

Application filed May 14,

To all "lo/1012i 2'2? mey concern Be it known that I, Crmnnns Ln G. Fon'rnsc-Un, a citizen. of the United States, and a resident of Pittsburgh, in the county of Allegheny and State of Pennsylvania, have invented a new and useful Improvement in Electrical Distributing Systems, of which the following is a specification, this application being a. continuation in part of my application, Serial No. 153,605, filed March 9, 1917.

My invention relates to alternating-current distributing systems and it has special relation to phase-modifying means whereby polyphase apparatus, such as motors, generators, rotary converters and the like, may be operated from single-phase power-supply circuits.

More particularly, my invention relates to phase-splitting devices and control means therefor, whereby the electrical conditions obtaining in the power-supply circuits may be controlled while balanced polyphase con.- ditions, irrespective of the character of the polyphase loads, may be maintained in the polyphase circuits likewise associated with the phase-splitting devices.

By means of my present invention, balanced polyphase conditions may be automatically maintained in the polyphase circuits, irrespective of the polyphase loads obtaining therein or the power-factors at --which such loads operate. At the same time, the power-factor of the single-plume supply circuit may be automatically maintained at a constant value or unity. irrespective of the load conditions in the polyphase circuits. in consequence thereof, polyphase apparatus, such as I have indicated above, may be economically and efliciently operated from a single-phase power-supply circuit with re sults comparable to those obtained when operating on polyphase circuits of the usual character. The single-phase power-supply circuit will also operate very ei'liciently since its power-factor constantly maintained at a high value or unity.

For a. better understanding of the characteristic features of my invention, reference may be had to the following description and the accompanying drawings in which Figure 1 is a diagrammatic view of an alterinning-current distributing system embodying a form of my invei'itioi'i; Figs. E) and 'YSTEIVL 1921. Serial No. 469,562.

1 are vector diagrams illustrating the electrical conditions obtaining in the singlephase power-supply circuit and the polyphase load circuits, under different load conditious, of the system shown in Fig. 1; Fig. 5 is a diagrannnatic view of a simplified form of the system of Fig. 1, and Figs. 6 and 7 are vector diagrams illustrating the electrical conditions obtaining in the sys tom of Fig.

Referring to Fig. l, a single-phase powersupply circuit, comprising mains l and 2, is connected across an adjustable primary winding of a power transformer 4 1x secondary winding 5 thereof is connected across one diagonal of a phase-splitting device or bridge (5 which, in this instance, comprises two condensive elements 7 and 8 and two inductive reactance elements 9 and 10. The condensive elements alternate in position in a. closed circuit with the iuductive elements forming a square-"torniation that is provided wit-h taps at the corners thereof, as will be hereinafter explained.

The secondary winding 5 of the transformer %t is connected to the corners 11 and 12 of the phase-splitting device (5, while leads 13 and l t extend from the mains 1 and 2 to an independent phase winding 15 of a polyphaseapparatus 16. The lead 13 is connected directly to one terminal of the polyphase winding 15 while the lead 1% is connected through a current coil 17, which. is embodied in wattmeter element 18 of a differential wattnietcr relay 19, and current coils 20 and 21 of a power-iliactor relay lo the other tern'iinal of the phase winding 1:). Leads 23 and 24-, which arc connected to diagonally opposite corners 25 and 36, rcspecti'vely, of the phase-splitting device (5, are connected in circuit with a phase winding of the polyphase apparatus 16. The lead 2% connected directly to one terminal of the winding 28 while the lead 2?) is conuected through a current coil. 2%) of a wattmeter element 30 of the differential watt- .meter relay 19 to the other terminal of the winding 28.

From the foregoing, it is apparent that the phase winding 15 is supplied directly with power from the single-phase supply circuit and the phase winding 28 is supplied with, power through the phase splitting device G. Since the windings 15 and '38 are Ill?) shown as constituting the two windings of a two-phase apparatus, the electromotive forces obtaining in said windings must be displaced ninety degrees in phase relationship from, and be maintained equal to, each other in order to establish polyphase relations in the polyphase circuits. The polyphase apparatus 16 may be considered as a two-phase motor which is designed to oper-. ate under varying loads. For the purpose of illustration, it may be assumed that the motor 16 is so designed that, as the load on the motor increases, the powenfactor thereof improves or approaches unity value. \Vhile the polyphase motor 16 operates under varying loads and with varying power-tactors, it is desired to maintain the powerataetor in the single-phase supply circuit constant or unity. For accomplishing these results, the control apparatus, hereinafter to be described, is arranged in order to vary the voltages impressed upon the phase-splitting device 6. At the same time, control means are provided for varying the ratios between the reactance elements embodied in the phasesplitting device. In this instance, I choose to vary the value of the inductive elements 9 and 10 but it will be appreciated that the condensive elements 7 and 8 n'iay also be varied in a similar manner in order to vary the ratios between the bridge elements.

A power-factor relay 31 ot' a usual form of construction is connected in circuit with the main 2 of the single-phase )ower-supply circuit. The relay 51 comprises two sta tionary current coils 32 and two rotatable voltage coils and 34 that are mounted upon a common shaft 35 with a rotatable arm 36. The two voltage coils 33 and 34 are severally connected in parallel across the mains 1 and 2 by means of loads 37 and 38. The voltage coil 33 is connected in series with an inductive element 39 and the coil 34 is connected in. series with a resistance elem-en -l)..

iVhen the power-factor in the single-phase circuit substantially unity, the arm 36 will occupy a midposition between contact members 41 and 42. \Vhen the power-factor in the single-phase circuit is decreased by reason of lagging currents, it may be assumed that the conducting arm 36 engages the contact button 42 and when the powertactor is decreased by reason of leading currents, the conducting arm engages the con tact button 41.

The rotatable arm 36 of the power-factor relay 31 is connected, by means of a lead 43, to the main 2. The contact buttons 41 and 12 are connected by means of leads 4.4 and respectively, and a reversing switch a.- to the energizing magnets 47 and 48 ot' the reversing switch 49. The tree terminals of the magnets are connected to common leads 50 and 51 to the main 1 of the single-phase supply circuit.

The power-factor relay which, for convenience only, is shown as being connected in series with the independent phase winding 15 of the polyphase motor 16, is similar in all respects to the power-factor relay 31. The power-factor relay 22 is actuated in accordance with the power-factor ot the phase winding, 15 which, in the case of the motor 16, is assumed as drawing lagging currents. In this case, it may be assumed that a rotating arm of the relay 22 engages a contact button 53, thereby establishing a circuit from a source of power 54 through an elec tromagnet ot the reversing switch 46. If the power-factor ot the independent phase 15 is the result of leading currents, the rotatable arm, 52 will engage a contact button and thereby establish a circuit through an energizing magnet 57 ot the reversing switch 46. It is, therefore, apparent that, if the power factor in the independent phase 15 is the result of lagging currents. the electromagnet 55 will be energized. thereby ac-- tuating av n'iagnetizable arm 58 of the switch 46 to establish electrical connection between stationary contact members 59. Similarly, if the power-factor of the independent phase 15 is the result of leading currents, the arm 58 of the switch 46 will. establish electrical connection between contact members 61) of the reversing switch 46. It the power factor of the independent phase 15 is unity, the rotating arm 52 will occupy a mid-position between the buttons 53 and 56 and the reversing switch 46 will not be actuated.

As mentioned above, the magnets 47 and 48 of the reversing switch 4-9 are energized in accordance with the position of the rotatable arm 36 of the power-factor relay 31 and the position of the arm 58 of the reversing switch 46. Assuming that lagging currents obtain in the single-phase supply circuit and the independent phase winding 15 ot the polyphase apparatus, the rotatable arms of the two power-factor relays 31 and 22 will severally engage the contact buttons 42 and 53, respectively. IVith the relays 31 and 22 in these positions. the coil 47 ot the revers ing switch 49 will be energized through the contact members 59 of the reversing switch 46. If leading currents obtain in the singlephase supply circuit, while laggin currents obtain in the independent phase 1.0. the coil 48 of the reversing switch 49 will be energized by reason of the circuits established through the rotating arm 36 of the powerfactor relay 31 and the contact button 41, as well as, through the contact members 59 of the reversing switch 46. If the power-factor in the imlepeudent phase 15 is the result of leading currents therein and the power factor in the single-phase circuit is the result of the flow of lagging currents,

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the coil 48 of the reversing switch will be energized because of the circuits established through the rotatable arm 36 and the contact button 42 of the powerfactor relay 31 and through the contact members 60 of the reversing switch e6. If the power factor of the independent phase winding is the result of leading currents and the ower factor in the single-phase circuit is also the result of leading currents, the coil a7 of the reversing switch 49 will be energized by reason of the circuits established through the rotatable arm 36 and the contact button d1 of the relay 31 and the contact members of the reversing switch 46.

It is, therefore, obvious that if the currents lead in both the polyphase and single phase circuits, or lag in both, the magnet e7 will be energized; if they lead in one and lag in the other, the magnet 4L8 will be energized; and if the power factor of either circuit be unity, neither magnet will be energized.

The reversing switch 49 is of a usual form of construction and controls the direction of rotation of a motor 27 which, in turn, actuates a rack 61 upon which adjustable contact members 62 and 63 are mounted and adapted to severally engage taps 6 1; and 65 with which the inductive elements 9 and. 10, respectively, are provided. When the motor 27 rotates in one direction, the contact members 62 and 63 are moved downwardly and in unison and when the motor 27 rotates in the other direction the contact members 62 and 63 are moved upwardly and in unison. The variation in value of the inductive elements 9 and 10 of the phase-splitting device 6 is, therefore, controlled by the oint action of the power-factor relays 31 and 22 and the reversing switches 49 and a6. It follows, therefore, that, in the system shown, the ratios between the reactive elements comprising the phase-splitting device 6 are controlled by the power factors, as well as the relative direction of phase displacement of the currents obtaining in the single-phase circuit and in one of the phases of the polyphase circuit, which, for convenience, I have shown as being the independent phase 15.

As will be hereinafter disclosed, the voltage impressed upon the derived phase 28 of the polyphase device 16 will be varied as the loads carried by the motor 16 are varied in order to assist in conforming to the stated conditions, namely, balanced polyphase relations in the polyphase circuits and unity power factor in the single-phase circuit. When a one-to-one voltage transformation is effected by the phase-splitting device 6, the voltage impressed upon the phasesplitting device 6 will be correspondingly varied. In accordance therewith, the primary winding 3 of the transformer l is shown as being provided with taps 66. In order to automatically vary the taps 66, the differential wattmeter element 19 is provided which controls a reversing switch 67 that, in turn, controls the direction of rotation of a motor 68. By reference to the drawing, it is apparent that the taps 66 are varied bv the motor 68. U

The dilierential. wattmeter element 19 is of a usual form of construction and comprises the two superposed wattmeter elements 18 and 30 mounted upon a common shaft 69. The wattmcter element 18 comprises the current coil 17, which is connected in series with the independent phase 15. and a voltage coil 70 which is connected in shuntto the independent phase 17 "he watt meter element 50 likewise comprises the current coil 29, which is connected in series with the derived phase 28, and a voltage coil 71 which is connected in shunt to the derived phase 28. A rotatable arm '72 is ad a pted to engage either a contact button T3 or a contact button 7%, depending upon which wattmeter element develops the predominating torque.

hen the amounts of power su plied to both the phases 15 and 28 are equal, the arm 72 will occupy a mid-position between the contact buttons 73 and H. \l'hcn the power supplied to the independent phase 15 exceeds that supplied to the derived phase 28, the arm 72 may be assumed as making contact with the contact button T l. thereby energizing an electromagnet T5 of the re versing switch 67. lVhen the power supplied to the derived phase 28 exceeds that supplied to the independent phase 15. the arm 72 may be assumed as making contact with the contact button 73. therebv energizing an electromagnet 76 of the reversing switch 6T. hen the electromagnet T5 is energized, a circuit is established through the reversing switch 67 to rotate the motor 68 in such a direction that the voltage inipressed upon the secondary winding 5 will be increased, and, when the clcctronlagnet 76 is energized, the motor 68 will be rotated in a reverse direction to decrease the yoltage impressed upon the secondary windmg In order to understand the operatimi of my system, attention is first directed to the vector diagrams of Figs. 2, 3 and in order that the electrical conditions simultaneously obtaining in the single-phase and polyphase circuits, under different load conditions, may be observed.

In Fig. two systems of vectors are superposed upon each other, one system representing the electrical conditions as they obtain in the system when balanced polyphase currents and voltages are imposed upon the polyphase circuits and the other systei'n representing the electrical comlitions Ill) as they obtain when unbalanced currents and voltages are imposed upon the polyphase circuits by reason of an increase in the load carried by the polyphase motor 16. These unbalanced polyphase conditions obtain only until the proper regulation by the control devices is effected thereby reestablishing balanced polyphase conditions, such as are represented by one of the systems of vectors of Fig. 3.

Referring particularly to Fig. 2, the vectors comprising the system representing balanced polyphase conditions will be described first. The vector E represent-s the voltage impressed upon the phase-splitting device or bridge 6. The vector E which, by reason of the one-to-one voltage trans formation effected by the bridge 6, is equal to, and displaced ninety degrees from, the vector E represents the voltage derived from the bridge 6 and impressed upon the derived phase winding 28 of the motor. The equal vectors I and I represent, in value and in phase, the currents obtaining in the phase windings 15 and :28, respectively. Since it has been assumed that the motor 16 has inherent inductive reactance, the currents flowing in the phase windings thereof lag behind their respective impressed voltages. The power factor of the motor 16 may be represented, therefore, by the phase angle between the vectors E and I or between the vectors E and 1,

Since the elements comprising the bridge are arranged for a one-to-one transformation, the vector E may be resolved into two component vectors E and E the former representing the voltage impressed across one of the condensive reactance ele ments and the latter representing the voltage impressed across one of the inductive reactance elements. The vectors E and -15,- are also equal to, and displaced ninety degrees in phase from, each other.

The current I supplied by the bridge to the bridge-fed phase winding 28 of the motor 16 may be considered as the resultant of the currents obtaining in one of the inductive reactance elements and one of the condensive reactance elements. The current vector I may, therefore, be resolved into two components that are positioned at right angles to each other; namely, the components I and I the former being the current in one of the inductive elements and the latter being the current in one of the condensive elements. The current I lags ninety degrees behind the voltage vector E or is advanced ninety degrees ahead of the voltage vector E and the current I lags ninety degrees behind the voltage vector E, or the current I, is advanced ninety degrees ahead of the voltage vector E The current supplied to the bridge by the single-phase supply circuit is represented by the vector I which, of course, is the resultant of the currents supplied to one of the inductive elements and one of the condensive elements. The vector 1,,- may, therefore, be resolved into two components, one of which is the vector T and the other of which is the vector L. The resultant current 1, leads the voltage E by the same angle that the current l, lags behind the voltage E or the current 1. lags behind the voltage E Since the current supplied to the bridge 0 is represented by the vector I and the current supplied to the independent phase winding 15 of the motor 16 by the vector L the resultant current obtaining in the single-phase. supply circuit may be represented by the vector I, which coincides in phase with the vector E It is, therefore, apparent that the single-phase circuit operates at unity power factor, while the power factors obtaining in the polyphase circuits are less than unity and may be. remesented, as hereinbefoie explained.

lVhen a greater load is imposed upon the motor 16, unbalanced polyphase conditions will obtain until the control devices have re-established balanced polyphase conditions. As the load upon the motor is increased, it is assumed, as n'ientioned above, that its power factor is improved. Since the voltage E impressed upon the bridge remains constant, for the time being, the current supplied to the bridge-fed phase 28 of the motor, which current may be represented by the vector I' remains equal to the current 1. supplied when balanced polyphase conditions obtain. This is by reason of the fact that a constant current is delivered to the derived phase 28 by the bridge 6 as long as a constant voltage is impressed upon the bridge. The current vector I' moves to such position, therefore, that the power factor obtaining in the bridge-fed phase winding 28 of the motor is improved.

Since the power factor of the motor has improved, the voltage impressed by the bridge 6 upon the bridge-fed phase 28 of the motor will decrease in value because of the lower impedance offered, under this changed condition, to the flow of current of the same value through the bridge-fed phase Winding. The voltage impressed by the bridge, under this changed condition, is represented by the vector E which is less than the vector E and is rotated in such direction that the phase angle between the vectors E' and 1", will be less than the phase angle between the vectors E and L. This, as explained above, results by reason of the better power factor obtaining in the bridge-fed phase 28 with increased load.

The voltage vector E is rotated clockwise with resgect to its original position, as indicated by the vector E because the values of the elements comprising the bridge 6 are not varied. As a result, the ratios between the elements are constant and this condition is obtained by rotating the vector E as shown in the drawing and confirmed by construction ot the vector diagrams.

The voltage vector E may be resolved into two vectors E and E which, in this distorted condition of the bridge, will not be equal to each other. Their values and phase positions, however, may be determined since the impressed voltage E has remained constant, both in value and in phase position, and represents one of the diagonals ot the parallelogram of which the voltage vector E is the other diagonal. Since the phase position and values of the vectors E, and E are thus determined, the vector Ifl, representing the current del' ered by the bridge, may be resolved into its components; namely, the vectors I and I The vector -I is displaced ninety degrees from the vector E and the vector T is displaced ninety degrees from the vector The vector I represents the current in one of the condensive elements and the vector l represents the current in one of the inductive elements, when unbalanced polyphase conditions obtain.

Elince the current supplied by the bridge is constant, as represented by the vector T the current delivered to the independent phase winding 15 of the motor is considerably increased since the power developed by this phase winding must temporarily carry most ot the increased load. This increased current is represented by the vector I which is advanced toward the vector E by reason of the improved power factor obtaining in the phase winding 15 when the load upon the motor is increased.

The current supplied to the bridge by the single-phase power supply circuit is represented by the vector I which is the resultant ot the vector 1, and the vector I Since the current supplied to the bridge is represented by the vector T, and the current supplied to the independent phase winding 15 is represented by the vector lm, the resultant; current temporarily obtaining in the sii'igle-phase supply circuit is represented by the vector 1, which slightly leads the voltage E of the single-phase circuit.

in F 3, the system of vectors of Fig. 2, representing the unbalanced polyphase conditions temporarily obtaining, are superposed upon a system of vectors which reprc sent the balanced electrical conditions that are established by the control devices after an increased load has been imposed on the motor.

The vectors representing the unbalanced polyphase conditions are represented by the same reference characters as are employed in Fig. 2.

Since the load on the motor 16 is increased, the voltage impressed upon the bridge (3 is simultaneously increased, with a decrease in the inductive reactance of the inductive elements 9 and 10 embodied in the bridge. The ratios between the constants of the bridge elements are, therefore, varied and, in this particular instance, I choose to vary the value of the inductive elements 9 and 10 but it will be understood that the value of the condensive elements 7 and 8 may also be varied in order to vary the ratios between the bridge elements.

To re-establish balanced polyphase conditions, the power-factor relay 31 operates, by reason of the lagging current I, in the single-phase circuit to vary the value of the inductive elements and simultaneously there with the ditl'erential wattmeter relay 19 operates by reason of the increased power delivered to the phase winding 15 of the motor to vary the voltage impressed upon the bridge. These two variations are simultaneously effected until balanced polyphase conditions are restored in the polyphase circuits. In consequence thereof the power factor of the single-phase supply circuit is again unity and the amounts of power supplied to the two phases of the motor 16 are equal. Under these conditions the powerl'actor relay 31 assumes its Zero position and the differential wattmeter relay 19 assumes its Zero position.

When balanced polyphase conditions are restored the current obtaining in the bridgeied phase 28 01 the motor may be represented by the vector 1", and the voltage impressed thereupon by the bridge 6 is represented by the vector E The vector E7 is a resultant of two components EQ, and E which are equal to and are displaced ninety degrees in phase from each other. The current 1'} is composed of two com ponents I and I From the relative values of the vectors 1, and I it will be apparent that the ratios between the bridge elements have been varied and that the inductive reactance elements 9 and ie have been decreased in value in order to per mil; more than proportionately increased currents to flow therethrough.

The vector T.,,, which is equal in value to the vector 1'} and occupies the same rela tive position with respect to the voltage vec tor EQ represents the current supplied to tho imlependent phase winding 15 of the motor. The current supplied to the bridge 6 by the single-phase supply circuit is represented by the vector 1'', which is the resultant ot' the vector l and the vector TQ. 'lfhe resultant current obtaining in the sin lot) gle-phase circuit is, therefore, the resultant vector of the component vectors I and 1, and is represented by the vector I which is coincident in the phase with the vector Ff The vector E represents, in value and phase, the new voltages impressed upon the independent phase winding 15 of the motor and impressed upon the bridge 6 in order to re-establish balanced polyphase conditions in the polyphase circuits.

The vectors of Fig. at represent the electrical conditions obtaining in the system when the load upon the motor 16 is decreased in value after balanced polyphase conditions have been established in the polyphase circuits and unity power factor in the single-phase circuit. The balanced polyphase conditions are represented by vectors having ordinals corresponding to those in Fig. 3, but, "for convenience in. illustration, the scale ol the vectors has been decreased.

\Vhen the load upon the motor 16 is de creased in value and before the regulating devices have had an opportunity to act, the power supplied to the independent phase wii ling 15 will decrease in value. Since the voltage represented by the vector .FY' is constant, the current supplied to the inde pendent phase 1:? may be represented by "he vector i. The phase angle between the voltage vector E and 1 is increased in value because it has been previously assumed that the power factor of the motor 16 decreases as the load decreases.

The current obtaining in the derived phase winding 28 remains constant and is represented by the vector I,;.. This current does not change in value becaues the voltage Ff impressed upon the bridge (3 remains constant. Since the load upon the motor 5 has decreased in value, the reactance of the phase winding 28 has increased, and, consequently, the derived voltage impressed thereupon is increased in value and is represented by the vector E The phase angle between the vectors I.-, and 15 is also increased, representing a de creased power factor in the polyphase motor lti. While the voltage derived from the bridge 6 is increased, the voltage repre sented by the vector F/ which is that impressed upon the bridge (5, remains constant in. value and in. phase and, therefore, the voltag in; to l across the inductive and condensive elements of the bridge 6 may be determined, as hereinbelore descrbed. The voltage impressed across the condensers is represented by the vector E and the volt age impressed across the inductive elements is represented by the vector -E Since the currents obtaining in the inductive ele ments 9 and 10 are displaced ninety degrees from the voltages impressed thereupon and the ciureut-s obtaining in tne condenser elenrcnis are displaced ninety degrees from the voltages impressed thereupon, the current vector 1" may be resolved into its two components 1,. and I The vector I is advanced ninety electrical degrees ahead of the vector E and the vector -I lags ninety electrical. degrees behind the vector ill/" The current supplied to the bridge (3 is the resultant of the vector 1 and the vector 1", and is represented, in phase and magnitude, by the vector I" Since the current supplied to the bridge is represented by the vector 1 and the current supplied to the independent phase winding 15 is represented by the vector I,,,, the resultant current obtaining in the single-phase circuit is represented by the vector I' which lags behind the voltage F/" obtaining in the single-phase circuit.

It has been assumed, throughout this dis-- cussion of the vector relationships obtaining in the system, that the polyphase load, namely, the motor 16, required lagging currents. or, in other words, operated at all times at a power factor less than unity. The follow ing conclusions under these conditions may, therefore, be drawn:

lVhen balanced polyphase conditions obtain in the polyphase circuits, and unity power factor obtains in the single-phase circuit, the power factor in the single-phase circuit will be decreased as a result of the leading current obtaining therein when an increased load is imposed upon the motor 16. The current obtaining in the single-phase circuit will, therefore, be a leading current. as represented by the vector I, in Figs. 2 and 3, until balanced conditions are restored. After balanced conditions are restored and the load upon the motor 16 is decreased in value, the current in the single phase circuit, as represented by the vector 1', in Fig. 4, will lag behind the impressed voltage until balanced conditions again obtain.

Accordingly, the following conclusions may be deduced when the polyphase load is of such a character as to require leading currents In this event, when the load. in the polyphasecircuit is increased, after balanced conditions have been established, the current in the single-phase circuit will lag behind the impressed voltage until balanced polyphase conditions are again restored. When the load in the polyphase circuit is decreased in value, the current obtaining in the singlc phase circuit will lead the impressed volt age. It is, therefore. obvious that the conditions obtaining in the single-phase circuit. if the polyphase load requires leading currents, will be the reverse of those obtaining. it the polyphase load requires lagging currents when the loads are increased. or de creased in value.

Having observed these conditions, attention is directed to Fig. 1 in order that the operation of my present system may be more fully understood. Assuming that the two phases 15 and 28 of the polyphase circuit are inductive under all load conditions, the power-factor meter 22, which is influenced by the nature of the currents obtaining in the polyphase circuits, will continuously keep the circuit through the electromagnet coil energized. In consequence thereof. the contact members 59 are connected in circuit by the arm 58 of the reversing switch 16.

\Vhen the load upon the motor 16 is increased, the power factor in the singlephase circuit will decrease by reason of the leading current flowing therein, as indicated by the vector I of Figs. 2 and 3. The poweriactor relay 31 in the single-phase circuit consequently establishes a circuit through the electromagnet 48 of the reversing switch 49, which, on being actuated thusly, establishe a circuit through the motor 27. This circuit energizes the motor 27 in a manner to effect rotation thereof in such direction as to decrease the value of the inductive elements 9 and embodied in the bridge 6.

r'lgain, when the load upon the motor 16 is increased, as mentioned above, the differential-wattmeter relay 19 will be actuated by reason of the increased power obtaining in the phase winding over that obtaining in the derived phase winding 28. A circuit through the electromagnet 75 of the reversing switch 67 is, therefore, established by reason of the differential wattmeter l9 closing a circuit through the rotating arm 72 and the contact member 73 thereof. The reversing switch 6'? is, consequently, actuated to drive the motor 68 in such direction as to decrease the number of active turns embodied in the primary winding 3 of the transformer 4. By referring to the vectors in Fi 3, it will be noted that balanced polyphase conditions are restored in the polyphase circuits and unity power factor is re stored in the single-phase circuit by the two simultaneously effected adjustments, namely, that of the transformer 4E and that of the inductive elements 9 and 10 of the bridge 6, which inductive elements are varied in unison.

When the load upon the motor 16 is decreased in value, the power-factor relay 2? still occupies such position as to energize the electromagnet ot the switch 46, as stated above. .he power-factor relay 31 will energize the electromagnet 17 of the reversing switch 49, since the power factor obtaining in the single-phase circuit, under this condition, is decreased below unity by reason of the flow of lagging current there in, as shown by the vector I of Fig. 4. The energization of the eiectromagnet 47 reverses the direction of rotation of the motor 27, thereby increasing, in unison, the values of the inductive elements 9 and 10 embodied in the bridge 6.

At the same time, the power obtaining in the derived phase of the motor 28 will be greater than that obtaining in the independent phase 15 and, as a consequence thereof, the dill'erential-wattmetcr relay 19 will be actuated to energize the electromagnet 7c of the reversing switch (S7. The reversing switch (ST will, therefore, reverse the directioi'i of rotation of the motor 68, whereby the active turns in the primary winding 3 of the transformer l will, be increased.

The inductive elements 9 and ll) of the bridge (3 are thus adjusted in unison and simultaneously with the adjustment ei'l'ec ed in the transformer 4:. hen balanced conditions are established in the polyphase circuits, the dill erential-wattmeter relay 19 will occupy its midposition and, when unit vpower factor obtains in the singlephasc supply circuit. the power-factor relay 31 will occupy its mid-position. Consequently. the motors 2? and 68 will be (lo-energized.

It the polyphase load were non-reactive. the power factors of the polyphase circuits would, at all times, be uni In consequence thereof, the power-f relay 22 would occupy its mid-position and the imwer-tactor relay 81 would occupy its midposition. No adjustments would, therefore. be necessary to vary the ratio between the elements embodied in the phase-splitter or bridge (i and the motor 27 would, therefore. not be energized, under any condition. The dil'l'erential-wattmeter element 19, however. would operate as hereinbetorc described. and ci'nnpiete automatic control of the system would be effected by varying the vol age impressed upon the phase-splitter l and the independent phase 15 of the motor 15.

ii? the power factors in the polyphase load circuits are less than unity by reason of the polyphase loads requiring leading currents, the pon'er-lactrn' relay will move the reversing switch 46 in such direction as to establish connection through the contact members ('39. its a result, the electromagnet 48 or the reversing switch elf) will be energized when lagging currents flow in the singlophase power-supply circuit on an increasing polyphase load and the electromagnet l7 will he energized when leadi g currents liow in the singlephase circuit. on a decreasing polyphase load.

For convenience. l have shown the powcrfactor relay 31 as effecting the adjustments in the inductive elements 9 and 19 oit the phase-splitter 6. but, it will be understood that, under certain conditions, the poweri'actor relay 31 may effect the adjustments in the active turns of the primary winding .J of the transtormer d. Similarly, the dit ferential wattmeter relay 19 may, under certain conditions, effect the adjustments in the elements 9 and 10 inplace of the adjustments in the primary winding 3 of the transformer, as shown.

The power-factor relay 22', shown as being connected in circuit with the phase winding 15, l'nay be connected in circuit with the phase winding 28. since it is presumed that the two phases comprising the polyphase circuit will require leading or lagging currents simultaneously with the changes in the load conditions.

lVhi'le the ratios between the bridge elements is varied by varying the values of the inductive elements 9 and 10, as shown, they may be also varied by varying the values of the condensive elements 7 and 8, while maintaining the inductive elements intact.

lVhile the system shown in Fig. 1 operates to maintain balanced polyphase relations in the polyphase circuits and unity power factor in the single-phase circuit, irrespective of the loac s obtaining in, and the power factors of, the polyphase load circuits, the system shown in Fig. 5 may be employed when the polyphase load circuits operate at constant power factors. In this particular instance, a polyphase motor is so designed that it will operate at aconstant power factor under all load con ditions. One method for accomplishing this result is to impose a load upon the motor 80, ensuring that balanced polyphase relations obtain therein. Having observed the power factor at which the motor 80 operates, under this condition, the voltages impressed upon the several phases thereof may be so varied, under the varying loads imposed upon the motor, that this constant power factor is maintained throughout the load curve of the motor.

A single-phase power-supply circuit, comprising leads 81 and 82, is connected across a primary winding 83 of a power transformer 84. A secondary winding 85 thereof is connected diagonally opposite points 87 and 88 of a phase-splitting device 89 and an independent phase winding 86 is connected across the leads 81 and 82. Another phase winding 90 of the motor 80 is connected to diagonally opposite points 91 and 92 of the pliase-splitting device 89.

The transformer winding 83 is adjustable and the active turns thereof may be varied by means of a movable contact member 93 that is mounted upon a rack 94 which, in turn, is actuated by means of a motor 95. The motor 95 is adapted to be connected, through a reversing switch 96, to the single phase mains 81 and 82. The reversing switch 96 is, in turn, controlled by means of a power-factor relay 97 which is connected in the single-phase power-supply circuit. A rotatable arm 98 is mounted upon the rotatable element of the power-factor relay 9? and is adapted to engage either a contact button 99 or a contact button 100, depending upon whether the current obtaining in the single-phase circuit is leading or lagging. When a circuit is established through the contact button 99 and the rotatable arm 98, an electro-magnet 191 of the reversing switch 96 is energized, and, when a circuit is established through the contact button 100 and the arm 98, a circuit through the electromagnet 192 of the reversing switch 96 is energized. The reversing switch 96 controls the direction of rotation of the mo tor 95, as hereinbefore explained in connection with the control devices embodied in the system of Fig. 1'.

It is obvious from the foregoing that when the power factor in the single-phase supply circuit is unity, the arm 98 of the powerfactor relay 97 will occupy a mid-position between the contact buttons 99 and 100 and, under this condition, the motor 95 will be disconnected from circuit.

The phase-splitting device 89 comprises two oppositely disposed condensivc reactance elements 103 and 10% and two oppositely disposed inductive reactance elements 105 and 106. The reactive elements are con nccted in a closed circuit, as shown, and are preferably arranged for manual adjustment, whereby their electrical constants may be varied. These elements are also so chosen that a: one-to-one voltage transformation may be effected by the phase-splitting device. That is, the voltage impressed across the diagonally opposite points 87 and 88 will be equal to. and displaced ninety degrees from, the voltage obtaining across the diagonally opposite points 91 and 92, when balanced polyphase relations obtain in the polyphase circuits.

Since the motor 80 is adapted to operate at a constant power-factor, irrespective of the load imposed thereupon, the reactive elements comprising the bridge 89 need be adjusted once only in order to ensure the |)1oduction of balanced polyphase relations in the polyphase circuits. It is, therefore, unnecessary to provide means for automatically varying the ratios between the elements embodied in the bridge 89.

Attention may now be directed to the vec tor diagrams in Figs. 6 and '7 in order to more fully understand the electrical conditions obtaining in the singlephase and poly phase; circuits of the system shown in Fig.

The vectors of Figs. 6 and 7 are designated with the same reference characters as are applied to the corresponding vectors of Figs. 2 and 3.

Assuming that balanced polyphase relations obtain in the polyphase circuits and unit powe factor in the single-phase circuit, the vectors E of Fig. 6 represents the voltage impressed upon the phase-splitting device 89 while E represents the voltage impressed upon the phase u' ding S9 of the motor 80. The vector T r esents the current obtaining in the phas winding 86, the vector L the current obtaining in the phase winding 90 and the vector i the current supplied to the bridge 89 by the single phase supply circuit. The vector L, there fore, represents the tota current flowing in the single-phase supply circuit and, since this current is in phase with the impressed voltage, it will be observed that the power factor obtaining in the single-phase circuit is unity. hen an increased load is imposed upon the motor 80, the vectors are displaced, as shown. It is to be noted particularly that, under this unbalanced condition, the current vector T which represents the current temporarily obtaining in the singlephase circuit, leads the impressed voitage. E

Since the power factor in the single-phase circuit has now decreased below unity by reason of the leading current I, obtaining therein, the power-factor relay 97 will establish a circuit through the contact button 99, the rotatable arm 98 and the energizing magnet 101 of the reversing switch 90. Tn consequence thereof, the motor is rocated in such direction as to increase the voltages impressed upon the phase-splitting device 89. The motor 95 will continue to rotate until unity power factor is restored in the single-phase circuit. When the relay 9'? assumes a mid-position between the buttons 99 and 100, balanced polyphase relations will then be indicated as having been restored in the polyphase circuits.

The balanced conditions obtaining in the polyphase circuits under the increased load upon the motor 80 are represented by the vectors of Fig. 7. The phase angles between the vectors E" and T,; and between the vectors E and 1" of are equal t to the phase angles between the vectors E and I and between the vectors E and L, of Fig. 6, thereby indicating that the power factor of the motor remains constant. By varying the voltages impressed upon the bridge 89 complete regulation of the system is obtained.

After balanced polyphase conditions have been ire-established and the load upon the motor 80 is decreased the unbalancing conditions temporarily obtaining will cause the current in the single-phase circuit to lag behind the impressed voltage. in consequence thereof, the power-factor relay 97 will close an exciting circuit through the contact button 100, the rotatable arm 98 and the energizing magnet 102 of the reversing switch 96. The motor 95 will be rotated in the opposite direction, thereby decreasing the voltages impressed upon the phase splitter 89.

foregoing, it will be apparent roi devices necessary for maintaining the desired relations when the powerfactors of th polyphase load circuits remain constant are more simple in construction and operation than those required for a system operating under the conditions for which the system of Fig. 1 is designed.

Tihile have shown and described several embodiments of my invention, it is to be understood that many modifications may be made therein and, consequently, that the invention is not to be limited to the forms herein specifically described, since it is capable of other embodiments that do not depart from the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

claim as my invention:

1. The combination with a single-phase power-supply circuit, polyphase load circuits, and phasemodifying means connected with said circuits to enable polyphase apparatus to operate on the single-phase supply circuit, of automatic means responsive to certain relative conditions of the polyphase apparatus windings for maintaining substantiaii balanced polyphase conditions in said polyphase circuits and automatic means responsive to relative power-factor conditions of said power supply circuit and of one of said polyphase windings for maintaining substantially unity power factor in said single-phase circuit, irrespective of the character of the loads obtaining in the polyphase circuits.

2. The combination with a single-phase power-supply circuit, polyphase load circuits, and phase-modiiying means connected with said circuits to enable polyphase apparatus to operate on the single-phase supply circuit, of automatic means responsive to rela tive wattage conditions of the polyphase apparatus windings for maintaining substantially balanced polyphase conditions in said polyphase circuits and automatic means responsive to certain relative conditions of said power-supply circuit and of one of said polyphase windings for controlling the power factor in said singlephase circuit, irrespective of the load conditions obtaining in the polyphase circuits.

The combination with a single-phase power-supply circuit, polyphase load circuits, and phase-modifying means connected with said circuits to enable polyphase apparatus to operate on the single-phase supply circuit, of automatic adjusting means responsive to certain relative conditions of the polyphase apparatus windings for retoring the desired phase relations in the polyphase circuits and means responsive to relative power-factor conditions of said power supply circuit and of one of said polyphase windings for maintaining unity power factor in the single-phase circuit in case of departure therefrom by reason of varying loads obtaining in the polyphase circui 4. The combination with a singlephz 1 power-supply circuit, polyphase ioad cu. cuits, and phase-modifying means con with said circuits to enable polyphase apparatus to operate on the single-plr ply circuit, of automatic means con by the relative power demands in the se polyphase circuits for restoring the d phase relations in the polyphase circu automatic means controlled by the power factors obtaining in the single-phase and in one of the polyphase eircu maintaining unity power factor in single-phase circuit, in case of depatherefrom.

5. The combination with a single-phase power-supply circuit, polyphase load circuits, and phaseanodifying means connected with said circuits to enable polyphase apparatus to operate on the singlc-phase power-supply circuit, of autoi'i'iatic means controlled by the relative power demands in the several polyphase circuits for main taining substantially balanced poiyphase relations in the polyphase circuit and automatic means controlled by the 1-" of one of the polyphase load cir power factor obtaining in the s ie-phase circuit for maintaining substant a unity power factor in the singh-i-phase circuit, irrespective of the load conditions obtaining in the polyphase circuits.

6. The con'ibination with a single-phase power supply circuit, polyphase load circuits, and a phase-splitting device comprising a plurality of condensive and indu tive reactance elements connected in a closed circuit for delivering energy from the single-phase circuit to said polyphane circuit, of automatic means responsive to certain relative conditions of the polyphasc apparatus windings for maintaini' g substantially balanced polyphase relations in the polyphase circuits and means responsive to relative power-factor conditions of said power supply circuit and of one of said polyphase circuits for maintaining substantially unity power factor in the single-phase circuit, irrespective of the load conditions obtaining in said polyphase circuits.

7. The combination with a single-phase power-supply circuit, and an electrical apparatus having polyphase circuits, of a phase-splitting device comprising a plurality of condensive and inductive reactance elements connected in a. closed circuit for delivering energy from the single-phase circuit to said polyphase apparatus, :uitomatic means responsive to relative wattage conditions of the polyphase circuits for maintaining substantially balanced polyphase relations in the polyphase circuits and means responsive to relative power-factor conditions of said power-supply circuit and of one of said polyphase circuits for regulating the power factor of the single-phase circuits.

8. The combination with a single-phase po .vei:-supply circuit, and polyphase load circuits, of a bridge comprising condensive and inductive reactance elements alternating in position with one another in a closed circuit for iuteiconnecting said single-phase and said polyphase circuits, :mtomatic means responsive to relative power-factor conditions of said power-supply circuit and one of said poly phase circuits for maintaining substantially unity power factor in the single-phase circuit and means responsive to certain relative conditions of said polyphase circuits for maintaining substantiall balanced pohgphase relations in said polyphase circuits which operate at varying power factors and under varying loads.

S). The combination with a single-phase circuit, and polyphase load circuits, and a bridge comprising condensive and inductive reactance elements alternating in position with one another in a closed circuit for interconnecting said single-phase and polyphase circuits, one pair of similar elements con'iprising said bridge being adjustable, of. automatic means responsive to relative power-factor conditions of said single-phase circuit and of one of said polyphase circuits for varying the value of said adjustable elements and means responsive to relative load conditions of said polyphase circuits for varying the voltage impressed on said bridge.

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto subscribed my name this 26th day of April, 1921.

CHARLES LE G. FORTESCUE. 

